Reading Uncharted Waters From Sat View

[Kurplunk]

I am exploring coastlines of areas which I do not have charts for and am wondering if I am interpreting what I see in this image correctly. The picture is one of a mouth of a river entering the sea. Understanding all of the contributing factors and the ever changing environment of such a place - at the time this satellite image was taken, would it be plausible to think that there is a deeper channel between the breaking surfs worthy of exploration?

[Chotu]

If there is a boat repair facility upriver. Lolol.

This is meant to be a lighthearted joke.

Maybe explore by dinghy first and do some soundings and gps coordinates?

[Benz]

There's sure some kind of channel there, but without some way to scale, there's no way to know how wide or deep it is.
That rounded nub of sandbar on the left would make me think that tide rushes up there pretty good, which would help keep the channel from silting over.

[JPA Cate]

Never sailed in the Great Lakes, so don't really know how they photograph. To me, that looks way too shallow for anything but a kayak. Try Google Earth, if you have the coordinates, and you might get a better idea. Otherwise, a long oar can be used to sound a creek from the dinghy.

Ann

[Franziska]

One thing which sometimes helps to judge, via sat image, if there is a possibility of a passage is to look if there are boats anchored or moored inshore of the possible inlet.
Also helps to look at their size and if they can be used only by exiting there.

[chubby]

Originally Posted by Kurplunk

I am exploring coastlines of areas which I do not have charts for and am wondering if I am interpreting what I see in this image correctly. The picture is one of a mouth of a river entering the sea. Understanding all of the contributing factors and the ever changing environment of such a place - at the time this satellite image was taken, would it be plausible to think that there is a deeper channel between the breaking surfs worthy of exploration?

looks like a rivermouth like you'd see in winter in places like waimea bay on oahu...

is it worthy of exploration..?
sure.
often after periods of rain often you will find gorgeous freshwater standing waves forming where river drains to ocean like that..ideal for shortboard surfing.




..but the boat would be no where near swells like those on that coastline.. .. maybe explore by drone...or if even 1 local is already there go grab your board and join the fun

[Kurplunk]

Originally Posted by Benz

That rounded nub of sandbar on the left would make me think that tide rushes up there pretty good, which would help keep the channel from silting over.

Benz; Thank you, that is what I was hoping to learn - how to interpret what is seen.

[Kurplunk]

Originally Posted by Franziska

One thing which sometimes helps to judge, via sat image, if there is a possibility of a passage is to look if there are boats anchored or moored inshore of the possible inlet.
Also helps to look at their size and if they can be used only by exiting there.

Franziska; Yes, that is a good "tool in the tool bag" which I use regularly. But, in this instance the location is quite remote with no other boats in the area.

[Kurplunk]

Originally Posted by chubby

.. maybe explore by drone...or if even 1 local is already there go grab your board and join the fun

Chubby; Great picture, looks like a wonderful place to enjoy a day or two. Drone and physically exploring would be the next step after determining whether or not the location had potential.